Comments for Philip Parkin

Comment on Destination Birmingham: Birmingham, A Music City by Destination Birmingham: the recommendations « Philip Parkin

Destination Birmingham: the recommendations « Philip Parkin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:26:25 +0000

[...] Leisure Scrutiny report ‘Destination Birmingham‘ was approved by the city council yesterday meaning that the following recommendations should [...]

Comment on Destination Birmingham: Birmingham, A Music City by jezcollins

jezcollins — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:49:06 +0000

Phil, I’ve just posted this on the Created in Birmingham site:

I was part of this Scrutiny Review as a witness(?) and having read the document I really welcome it. There is, if anything, more focus on the current music industries and lack of infrastructure as it should be. However, the two strands, current and heritage, are complimentary. You can cannot create your future if you do not know your history and the history side has been criminally neglected.

There is much more to add to the BCC review, looking at other city’s successful music commissions and bodies for example, but the idea of a central point of focus for the independent music industry which has an ingrained sense of the city’s rich musical past is a move in the right direction.

As I, and others have argued, this is not about funding musicians or venues, but about brokering and understanding. Brokering relationships between individuals and organisations in the city, and facilitating relationships with national and international companies that allows for and brings in inward investment into the city.

Understanding the depth and breadth of the musical activity that takes place in Birmingham and the needs and requirements to allow it to continue to flourish but with a much more central visible role within the city’s cultural offer which means popular music having representation on things like planning, licensing, transport plans, all the things behind the scenes that impact on the actually ability for entrepreneurs and innovators to create a sustainable, lively music environment.

There are clearly also touristic and cultural benefits in recognising and celebrating the long and sustained impact musicians from the city have had on the local, national and international music industry, as Roger says above, from across a wide range of genres. We have an opportunity to really get this right now, I hope the City Council supports the recommendations in the report.

Ramble over.

Comment on Business support for an elected mayor by Philip Parkin

Philip Parkin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:20:54 +0000

I remain optimistic of Tory success whenever the election is held, but I agree: 2017 may prove to be less of a ‘challenge’. And you’re right about ‘individual competence’ being key. The right candidate – whether that be an independently minded Conservative or a Conservative minded independent – would always give Labour a good run for their money…

Comment on Business support for an elected mayor by Marc Reeves

Marc Reeves — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:57:32 +0000

It would certainly make the raqce more interesting, but what real chance does anyone other than a Labour candidate have in Birmingham – certainly in the first mayoral election?
It is far more likely that an independent (or independently minded Tory) could make a real running in the second election in 2017, once the electorate realises party affiliation is less important in a mayor than individual competence.

Comment on Sutton Coldfield Library: further update by phil

phil — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:40:14 +0000

We need to repair the building and everyone is aware of the abestos issue, so I imagine that the money Cllr Mullaney refers to will be a component of the finances needed for the overall project.

Comment on Sutton Coldfield Library: further update by Richard Morris

Richard Morris — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:59:19 +0000

I note that on the Re-stirred forum Cllr. Mullaney states that the Sutton Coldfield Library roof needs to be repaired and that he has secured monies to do this ‘in the coming months’. Leaving aside the question of how we ended up with the responsibility for the roof of a leased building I wonder how this will impact on the removal of asbestos?

Comment on Sutton Coldfield Library: further update by phil

phil — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:23:03 +0000

I would expect this to become clearer when the business case is submitted.

Comment on Sutton Coldfield Library: further update by Richard Morris

Richard Morris — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:46:37 +0000

I’m all for higher spec but where’s the money coming from?

Comment on Birmingham, Creative City by Creative City Fallout | I Am Pete Ashton

Creative City Fallout | I Am Pete Ashton — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:16:25 +0000

[...] Philip Parkin did a report. [...]

Comment on Where next for the Home of Metal? by krautrocknow

krautrocknow — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:52:17 +0000

It would be good to hear more people’s thoughts on this question.
Having worked on the project I have plenty of ideas that will keep the profile going but would not share them here just yet.

There is an online survey on the Home of Metal dot com website – a tick box affair.
Although they may not get replied to I am sure that anyone who wants to send in thoughts on the “what next?” question is welcome to do so through blog posts or emails through the HoM website contact form.